A spokeswoman for the charity Alcohol Concern said: "Alcohol contributes to a whole range of diseases and young people need to be aware of the harm that alcohol can cause."

Soft drinks

The researchers, from Birmingham University, also looked at consumption of soft drinks and found there was a strong link between dental erosion and the consumption of cola and other fizzy drinks, apple juice, and sports drinks.

Around 80% said they drank orange squash, cola and other fizzy drinks at some point during the week.

Although half had less than seven drinks a week, but 13% had more than 22 drinks in a week.

More boys than girls drank cola.

Fruit, which is acidic, is also linked to dental erosion, but is only a problem if eaten in unusually large amounts.

It was eaten regularly by two thirds of the children. The most common choice was apples.

Vegetarian diets were also highlighted because they tend to contain more acidic items.

But Dr Shaw said: "Vegetarians do consume more fruit and vegetables, but considerably less fizzy drinks, less cola and less alcohol."

After the research was carried out, work on a public health message on dental health for teenagers began.